Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Leo Sayer
Leo Sayer is a British-Australian singer and songwriter who achieved international success (in the 1970s) with a string of hit songs, including “Long Tall Glasses”, “More Than I Can Say”, “You make Me Feel Like Dancing”, and today’s song choice. In 1974, he received Grammy Awards nominations for “Best New Artist” and “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male”. On this very day, May 21st 1948, Gerard Hugh Sayer (known professionally as Leo Sayer) was born in Sussex, England (to parents Theresa and Thomas). In celebration of his birthday, exactly 76 years…
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“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” Simple Minds
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is a popular eighties song that was recorded by Scottish rock band, Simple Minds. John Leland (of Spin Magazine) described it as a “romantic and melancholy dance track that cuts ice in both, the living room and on the dancefloor”.” Its infectious sound appealed to the masses, and in 1986, it received a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. On this very day, May 21st 1985, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…
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“American Woman” The Guess Who
“American Woman” is a guitar-driven song that was recorded by Canadian rock band, The Guess Who. It’s instantly recognizable for its memorable and gritty guitar riff, that became one of the most famous in rock history. However, the song generated some controversy due to its lyrics, which were perceived by some as critical of American society. The band would later clarify that the song was not intended as an anti-American statement. On this very day, May 20th 1970, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cher
Cher is an American singer (and pop culture icon) who initially gained fame (in the 1960s) as part of the musical duo, Sonny & Cher. Alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono, they produced popular songs like “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On”. After the dissolution of Sonny & Cher, she embarked on a solo career, producing hits like “Gypsy’s, Tramps & Thieves”, “Half-Breed”, “Believe”, and today’s song choice. Throughout her career, she has sold over 100 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all-time.…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pete Townshend (The Who)
Pete Townshend is an English musician who is best known as the principal songwriter (and guitarist) for legendary rock band, The Who. Founded in 1964, this group is known for many popular songs including “My Generation”, “I Can See for Miles”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, and today’s song choice. In 1990, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2001, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. On this very day, May 19th 1945, Peter Townshend was born in Greater London, England (to parents Betty…
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“Bette Davis Eyes” Kim Carnes
“Bette Davis Eyes” is a song that was recorded by American pop singer, Kim Carnes. The lyrics within describe the captivating allure of a woman’s eyes, drawing a comparison to the legendary actress, Bette Davis. After topping the charts in multiple countries around the world, in 1982, it won two Grammy Awards for “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year”. On this very day, May 19th 1981, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel…
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R.I.P. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden)
Chris Cornell was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Seattle, Washington on July 20th, 1964. He is best known as lead vocalist for the rock bands, Audioslave and Soundgarden. Founded in 1984, Soundgarden became a pioneer of the Seattle grunge scene. Their biggest hits include songs like “Spoonman”, “Fell on Black Days”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 18th 2017, Christopher John Boyle (known professionally as Chris Cornell) died of suicide (after hanging himself in his Detroit hotel room). He was 52. In memory…
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“My Guy” Mary Wells
“My Guy” is a classic Motown song that was written by Smokey Robinson, and recorded by singer, Mary Wells. The lyrics within express the joy and contentment of being in a loving and committed relationship with that special guy. Considered as one of the defining hits of the Motown era, in 1999, this song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, May 18th 1964, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel…
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